Oliver Ames, Sr.
| Oliver Ames, Sr. | |
|---|---|
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| Born |
April 11, 1779 West Bridgewater, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 11, 1863 (aged 84) |
| Residence | Easton, Massachusetts |
| Known for | Ames Shovel Works |
| Spouse(s) | Susannah Angier |
| Children |
Oakes Ames Oliver Ames, Jr. |
| Parent(s) |
Capt. John Ames Susannah Howard |
| Relatives |
Frederick Lothrop Ames (grandson) Governor Oliver Ames (grandson) |
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Oliver Ames, Sr., or "Old Oliver", (April 11, 1779–September 11, 1863) was the family patriarch of the Ames family of Easton, Massachusetts. He established the family shovel business, which over generations grew to become one of the largest family fortunes in New England.
Oliver Ames, Sr. was born April 11, 1779 to Capt. John Ames and Susannah Howard, in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. His father was a blacksmith who provided guns for the Revolutionary army, and made a name for himself making shovels of high quality.
Oliver began his career in Springfield, working for his elder brother David at the newly established Springfield Armory. David, a gunsmith like their father, was appointed by George Washington as the armory's first superintendent. In 1802, David's term ended and Oliver returned to Bridgewater.
Ames moved to Easton, Massachusetts in 1803 and bought a nail-making business, and converted it into a shovel factory. This factory eventually grew into the Ames Shovel Works, a major business in Easton, and the source a great family fortune.
From 1807-1814, Ames supervised the shovel-making plant at Plymouth Iron Works, but returned to his own shop in Easton, where business slowly grew. In 1844, Ames turned the business over to his sons Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames, Jr., and renamed the firm Oliver Ames & Sons. Ames gave each of his sons one-quarter interest in the company, retaining a third for himself.
Ames was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1828-1829 and again 1833-34, and served as state senator in 1845.
Ames was an active Unitarian, and helped establish the Unitarian society in Easton.
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